Self-aligning optical connector systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Self-aligning optical connectors, systems, and methods for connecting optically-transmissive elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a connector includes a first component, a second component connected to the first component, and an optomechanical element. The optomechanical element is positioned adjacent and between said first and second components such that a portion of the optomechanical element is exposed to a leakage light when the first and second components are misaligned. The exposed portion includes a photosensitive material configured to at least attempt to change a dimension when exposed to the leakage light. In operation, the optomechanical element exerts an alignment force on at least one of the first and second components tending to align the first and second components when the exposed portion of the optomechanical element is exposed to the leakage light.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/775,667 filed Feb. 22, 2006, whichprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to optical connectors and, moreparticularly, to self-aligning optical connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fiber-optic data networks include cables through which data signals aretransmitted. The cables usually include glass and transmit lightsignals. Adjacent fiber-optic cables in these networks are joined byconnectors and must be accurately aligned to ensure the data signalsproperly propagate from cable to cable. Thus, the connectors must holdthe cables from becoming misaligned. Keeping adjacent cables aligned isespecially difficult under severe conditions. For example, aerospaceapplications may expose networks to vibration, contamination, andextreme temperatures. Such conditions often result in cable misalignmentwhen conventional connectors are used. Detachment and reconnection ofconventional connectors, such as during cable replacement or connectormaintenance, can also lower the ability of the connectors to holdadjacent cables within desired tolerance levels.

Some fiber-optic networks require very tight tolerance connectors toensure data signals are properly transmitted through the connectors. Forexample, single-mode fiber-optic networks generally require tightertolerance connections than multimode fiber-optic networks. Fiber-opticcables generally include a cladding surrounding a central core throughwhich data signals are transmitted. In single-mode fiber-optic networks,a single high-strength signal is transmitted generally down the centerof the core. In multimode fiber-optic networks, multiple signals aresimultaneously transmitted through the core.

Although some or most of the signals transmitted through the cable in amultimode network may travel along a center of the core, at least someof the signals will propagate along paths other than directly down thecenter. Claddings are generally made of a material having a lower indexof refraction than that of the core so that signals propagating towardthe cladding are refracted or bent away from the cladding. Off-centersignals are refracted back and forth as they move along the cable.Multimode networks can operate with looser connection tolerances becausemany or most of the multiple signals being transmitted through thecables can usually pass through the connector even if some are stopped.Multimode networks produce relatively low quality output data for atleast two reasons. A first reason is that because the signals movethrough the cable along various paths, the signals will invariablyarrive at the destination at various times. Thus, the terminating sensoror device must arrange the time-spaced signals together to form theresulting data. A second reason for low quality output in multimodesystems is that many of the signals may get impeded at very loose jointsbetween adjacent cables. Therefore, even with multi-mode fiber-opticnetworks, quality connectors are needed to ensure proper jointalignment.

Data is generally transmitted more accurately through single-modefiber-optic networks because terminal devices only receive one signaland, thus, do not need to piece together multiple dispersed signals toform the data. However, because only a single signal stream istransmitted, it is imperative that the signals are not impeded as theytravel through the network. Accordingly, the cables must be joinedtogether within a very tight tolerance to ensure the signals passthrough the joint. Conventional connectors exist that can maintain arelatively tight tolerance connection, but only under gentle conditions.Conventional connectors also exist that can withstand severe conditions,but can only maintain a loose connection. Connectors are needed that cankeep fiber-optic cables aligned within very tight tolerances undersevere conditions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure teaches self-aligning optical connectors,systems, and methods, for connecting fiber-optic cables. Embodiments inaccordance with the teachings of the present disclosure may providesignificant advantages over the prior art, including improved opticalsignal performance and reduced noise and power consumption.

In one embodiment, a self-aligning connector for connecting fiber-opticcables includes a first component connected to a first cable, a secondcomponent connected to the first component and to a second cable, and anoptomechanical element. The optomechanical element is positionedadjacent and between said first component and said second componentduring use of the connector such that a portion of the optomechanicalelement is exposed to a leakage light when the first component and thesecond component are misaligned. The exposed portion includes aphotosensitive material configured to at least attempt to change adimension when exposed to the leakage light. In operation, theoptomechanical element exerts an alignment force on at least one of thefirst and second components tending to align the first and secondcomponents when said exposed portion of the optomechanical element isexposed to the leakage light.

In another embodiment, a fiber-optic system includes a first cableconfigured to transmit light; a connector attached to the first cableand configured to transmit said light, the connector having anoptomechanical element including a photosensitive material configured toat least attempt to change a dimension when exposed to light; and asecond cable attached to said connector opposite said first cable andconfigured to transmit said light, wherein the optomechanical element isconfigured to exert an alignment force on at least one of the first andsecond cables when exposed to a leakage light emanating from at leastone of the first and second cables, the alignment force tending to urgethe first and second cables into alignment.

In a further embodiment, a method of using optically-transmissiveelements includes: providing a first component operatively coupled to afirst optically-transmissive element; providing a second componentoperatively coupled to a second optically-transmissive element;providing an optomechanical element including a photosensitive materialconfigured to at least attempt to change a dimension when exposed tolight; coupling the optomechanical element and the first and secondcomponents such that the optomechanical element is at least partiallydisposed between the first and second components; transmitting lightthrough at least one of the first and second optically-transmissiveelements; exposing a portion of the optomechanical element to a leakageportion of the transmitted light at least when the first and secondoptically-transmissive elements are misaligned; and while exposing theportion of the optomechanical element, exerting an alignment force on atleast one of the first and second optically-transmissive elements usingthe optomechanical element, the alignment force tending to urge thefirst and second optically-transmissive elements into alignment.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventionor may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which canbe seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a self-aligning connector according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first component, an electromechanicalelement, and a second component of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first component, the electromechanicalelement, and the second component of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side cross section of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a side cross section of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1when it is misaligned.

FIG. 5B is a side cross section of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1while it is aligning itself.

FIG. 5C is a side cross section of the connector embodiment of FIG. 1after it has aligned itself.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show side and end elevational views of first and secondcomponents, respectively, of a connector in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows the connector of FIGS. 6 and 7 in a coupled condition, aswell as in various stages of a self-aligning process in accordance withanother alternate embodiment of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, aself-aligning optical connector according to the present invention isdesignated in its entirety by reference number 10. The connector 10joins two adjacent cables 12, 14. Each cable 12, 14 has a cladding 16,18 surrounding a core 20, 22 through which light signals (not shown) aretransmitted. The claddings 16, 18 and cores 20, 22 may be made ofvarious materials without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, each cladding 16, 18 is made of a materialhaving a lower index of refraction than an index of refraction of amaterial the corresponding core 20, 22 is made of. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, a higher index of refractioncore 20, 22 keeps the light signals within the core because signalspropagating to the cladding 16, 18 at less than a critical angle withrespect to an interface between the cladding and the core will berefracted or bent back toward the core. Although the claddings 16, 18and cores 20, 22 may have other indexes of refraction without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the coreshave an index of refraction of between about 1.46 and about 1.48 and thecladdings have an index of refraction of between about 1.44 and about1.46. The claddings 16, 18 and cores 20, 22 may include glass. In oneembodiment, each core 20, 22 includes doped glass, such as glass dopedwith germanium. Although the cores 20, 22 may have other diameters, inone embodiment each core has a diameter 24 of between about 3micrometers and about 10 micrometers. Although the claddings 20, 22 mayhave other outer diameters 26, in one embodiment each cladding has anouter diameter of between about 15 micrometers and about 80 micrometers.

The connector 10 includes a first component 28, a second component 30,and an optomechanical element 32 positioned adjacent and between thecomponents when the connector is assembled. The optomechanical element32 includes a photosensitive material having at least two states, afirst state in which the material is generally stiff and substantiallymaintains its shape and dimensions and a second state in which thematerial is generally compliant and changes a dimension when exposed toa light. In some embodiments, the material of the optomechanical element32 changes shape when it is in its second state and exposed to light. Inother embodiments, the material of the optomechanical element 32 may becompliant in the first state, and may become generally stiff in thesecond state after exposure to the light. Although the material of theoptomechanical element may change from its first state to its secondstate in response to other stimuli, in one embodiment the materialchanges from its first state to its second state when the material isexposed to a controlling or transforming fluid (not shown).

The first component 28 is connected to a first cable 12 of the twofiber-optic cables and the second component 30 is connected to a secondcable 14 of the two cables. The components 28, 30 are joined to connectthe cables 12, 14 during use of the connector 10. The first and secondcomponents 28, 30 may be formed integrally with or separately from theircorresponding cables 12, 14. That is, the first component 28 may beformed as an integral end of the first cable 12 or formed separatelyfrom the first cable and then attached thereto. For example, when formedseparately, the first component 28 can be attached to the first cable 12at a first attachment interface, designated by dashed line “A”.Likewise, the second component 30 may be formed as an integral end ofthe second cable 14 or formed separately from the second cable and thenconnected thereto. For example, when formed separately, the secondcomponent 30 can be attached to the second cable 14 at a secondattachment interface, designated by dashed line “B”. In one embodiment,one of the first and second components 28, 30 is formed as an integralpart of its corresponding cable 12, 14 and the other component 30, 28 isformed separately from and later connected to the other cable 14, 12.

Components 28, 30 formed separately from the corresponding cable 12, 14may be attached to the cables in various ways without departing from thescope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated thatseparately formed components 28, 30 may be bonded (not shown) to thecable 12, 14. It is also contemplated that separately formed components28, 30 have shapes that compliment shapes of the cables 12, 14 so theconnector and the cable can be secured together using the complimentaryshapes. For example, the components 28, 30 and cables 12, 14 can havecomplimentary threads for screwing one into the other for attachment.

The first component 28 includes a recess 34 having an edge 36 and thesecond component 30 includes a projection 38. The recess 34 and theprojection 38 may be formed in various ways. For example, the recess 34and the projection 38 may be formed by chemical etching or mechanicalabrasion. In one embodiment, at least some of a surface of eachcomponent 28, 30 is polished to ensure a smooth fit between the firstcomponent, the second component, and the optomechanical element 32 andallow signals to propagate better through the connector 10.

The recess 34 and the projection 38 may have various shapes anddimensions without departing from the scope of the present invention. Inone embodiment, the recess 34 and the projection 38 are generallycircular or round. Although the recess 34 may have other diameters 40(shown in FIG. 2) without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the recess has a diameter of between about30 micrometers and about 80 micrometers. Although the projection 38 mayhave other diameters 42 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the projection has a diameter that tapersbetween a minimum of between about 3 micrometers and about 7 micrometersadjacent a top 44 (shown in FIG. 3) of the projection and maximum ofbetween about 6 micrometers and about 10 micrometers adjacent a bottom46 of the projection. In one embodiment, the projection has a height 48that is slightly greater than a depth 50 of the recess to ensure thatthe projection 38 contacts a bottom 52 of the recess 36 when theconnector 10 is assembled. For example, in one embodiment, theprojection 38 is about 0.1 micrometer taller than the depth 50 of therecess 34. Although the projection 38 may have other heights 48 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment theprojection 38 has a height of between about 0.3 micrometer and about 0.7micrometer. For example, in a particular embodiment, the projection 38has a height of about 0.5 micrometer. Although the recess 34 may haveother depths 50 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the recess has a depth of between about 0.2micrometer and about 0.6 micrometer. In a particular embodiment, therecess 34 has a depth 50 of about 0.4 micrometer.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the optomechanical element 32 has a cavity 56and a periphery 58 and the cavity 56 has an outer rim 60. Theoptomechanical element 32 has a radial thickness 62 extending betweenthe cavity 56 and the periphery 58. As shown in FIG. 4, the cavity 56 ofthe element 32 is positioned around the projection 38 of the secondcomponent 30 and the periphery 58 of the element is positioned adjacentthe edge 36 of the first component 28 when the connector 10 isassembled. The cavity 56 and the periphery 58 of the optomechanicalelement 32 have dimensions and shapes corresponding to the shapes of theprojection 38 and recess 34, respectively. Thus, in one embodiment, thecavity 56 and periphery 58 are generally circular. Although theoptomechanical element 32 may have other dimensions without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the elementcavity 56 has a diameter 64 (shown in FIG. 3) of between about 3micrometers and about 10 micrometers, the element periphery 58 has adiameter 66 of between about 30 micrometers and about 80 micrometers,and the element has a longitudinal thickness 68 of between about 0.2micrometer and about 0.4 micrometers.

Although the optomechanical element 32 may be made of other materials,in one embodiment the element includes nanotubes embedded in a materialmatrix (not shown in detail). Nanotubes are two-dimensional crystallinesheets of atoms that have been rolled up and connected at a seam to forma closed cylinder. For example, carbon nanotubes are hexagonally shapedarrangements of carbon atoms that have been rolled into tubes. Theelement 32 may include more than one type of nanotube. Some types ofnanotubes have been found to change dimensions and/or shape in responseto stimulus, such as light. For example, carbon nanotubes have beenfound to decrease in size when exposed to light. As will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, when many sensitive nanotubes are embeddedin a compliant matrix, the entire matrix will change a dimension and/orshape as the individual nanotubes change dimension and/or shape. Areaction that the optomechanical element 32 has to a stimulus depends ona type or types of nanotubes used, a number of nanotubes used, a ratioof the nanotubes to the amount of matrix material used, a distributionof the nanotubes in the material matrix, and a type of material matrixused. In one embodiment, the element 32 includes millions ofphotosensitive carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer such as a softplastic.

As described above, in this embodiment, the material of theoptomechanical element 32 has at least two states, a first state inwhich the material is stiff and substantially maintains its shape anddimensions and a second state in which the material is compliant andchanges a dimension and/or a shape when exposed to a light. The materialof the optomechanical element 32 changes back to its second state afterthe stimulus that caused it to change to the second state is removed andthe effect of the stimulus wears off. For example, in an embodimentwhere the stimulus for transforming the element 32 from its first stateto its second state is a fluid, the element may return to its firststate after the element is not being exposed to the transforming fluidand the fluid evaporates from the element. In other embodiments, theoptomechanical element 32 changes from the first state to the secondstate in response to an electric field, a magnetic field, or heat.Although the optomechanical element 32 may remain in its second statefor other amounts of time after exposure to the transforming stimulus(e.g., transforming fluid) is removed, in one embodiment the elementremains in its second state for between about 20 and about 120 seconds.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particularmaterial used as the matrix of the optomechanical element 32 and theparticular changing or transforming stimulus may be selected throughexperimentation. Considerations for selecting a matrix material andtransforming stimulus include how stiff the matrix material will be whenit is in its first state, an amount of time it takes the material tochange states when exposed to the stimulus, how compliant the materialwill be when it is in its second state, and how much time the materialwill remain in its second state after the stimulus is removed.

A temporary change from the first state to the second state allows auser to change a size and/or a dimension of the optomechanical element32 as desired while the element is in its second state and have theelement maintain the desired shape and dimensions after the elementreturns to the first state. In an embodiment where the fiber-opticconnector 10 is used in an aircraft (not shown), the optomechanicalelement 32 may be made of a material that does not change shape ordimensions when exposed to fluids commonly used during aircraftmanufacture and maintenance, such as water, alcohol, hydraulic fluid,and jet fuel. In embodiments where the transforming stimulus is a fluid,a particular chemical or chemicals used as the transforming fluid may beselected through experimentation. In one embodiment, the transformingfluid is a chemical that can be mixed with a fluid used to clean thefiber-optic cables 12, 14 and connector 10 when the cables are beingconnected during fiber-optic cable system formation or maintenance. Inthis way, the optomechanical element can be changed from its first stateto its second state during a usual step in a fiber-optic systempreparation process.

Assembling the connector 10 includes positioning the optomechanicalelement 32 between the first component 28 and the second component 30.Steps for assembling the connector can be performed in various orders.For embodiments where the connector components 28, 30 are formedseparately from the cables 12, 14, the connector 10 may be assembledbefore or after the components are connected to the cables. For example,the components 28, 30 and optomechanical element 32 can be assembled andthen attached to the cables 12, 14. Alternatively, the components 28, 30can be attached to the cables 12, 14 before assembling the connector 10.Further, the connector 10 can be partially assembled and then attachedto the cables 12, 14. For embodiments where the connector components 28,32 are integral parts of the respective cables 12, 14, the componentsare attached together with the optomechanical element 32 between them.In these embodiments, the optomechanical element 32 may be attached tothe first component 28 and then to the second component 30 or attachedto the second component first and then to the first component.

Positioning the optomechanical element 32 adjacent the first component28 includes positioning the element in the recess 34 of the firstcomponent. The element 32 is positioned in the recess 34 so theperiphery 58 of the element is disposed adjacent the edge 36 of therecess. Positioning the element 32 adjacent the second component 32includes positioning the cavity 56 of the element around the projection38 of the second component. Because connector 10 operation depends oninteraction between the element 32 and the components 28, 30, it isimportant to ensure contact between them. Specifically, the rim 60 ofthe cavity should firmly contact the projection 38 and the periphery 58should firmly contact the edge 36 of the recess 34. In one embodiment,the periphery 58 of the optomechanical element 32 continuously contactsthe edge 36 of the second component 30 around the entire recess 34 andthe rim 60 of the optomechanical element contacts the projection 38continuously around the projection. The tapered design of the projection38 of the second component 30 ensures a tight connection between theelement 32 and the second component. Specifically, the element 32 andthe projection 38 are sized and shaped so the element becomesincreasingly snug against the projection as the element is slid downaround the projection.

One manner to ensure a snug fit between the optomechanical element 32and the components 28, 30 is to temporarily contract or shrink theelement during formation of the connector 10. More specifically, in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the optomechanical element 32 shrinkswhen it is in its second state and exposed to light to which it issensitive. The element 32 may be shrunk and positioned as desiredadjacent the components 28, 30 in any order. For example, in oneembodiment, the optomechanical element 32 is positioned around theprojection 38 of the second component 30, shrunk, and positioned withinthe recess of the first component 28, in this order. The light used forshrinking the optomechanical element 32 may be produced by, for example,a portable light source (not shown) that can easily be moved around amanufacturing area and outdoors for use. In one embodiment, theoptomechanical element 32 is sensitive to visible light such as sunlightwhen it is in its second state. In one embodiment, the optomechanicalelement 32 is sensitive to infra-red light.

After the optomechanical element 32 is changed to its second state,contracted by the preshrinking light, and positioned in the recess 34,the element naturally expands to fit tightly against the edge 36 of therecess after the light is removed while the element is still in itssecond state. The amount of time it takes for the optomechanical element32 to return to its default dimensions may depend on many variables. Forexample, the amount of time it takes for the element 32 to return to itsdefault dimensions may depend on the type of photosensitive materialused, an amount of transforming stimulus (e.g., transforming fluid) towhich the element is exposed, the type of light applied, and an amountof exposure the element has to the preshrinking light. The tightlyfitting optomechanical element 32 is said to be preloaded in theconnector 10 because the element will be applying a load against thecomponents 28, 30 after the element expands in the connector.

Whether the first and/or second components 28, 30 are integral to orformed separately from the corresponding cables 12, 14, the cables areconnected together using a fastening system (not shown). The fasteningsystem may include fasteners conventionally used to connect fiber-opticcables. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aferrule-type fastener including springs that allow the first and secondcomponents 28, 30 to touch can be used to secure the cables 12, 14together.

An assembled connector 10 includes a path 70 through which the light cantravel when being transmitted from the first cable 12 to the secondcable 14. The light path 70 is generally coextensive with the core 20 ofthe first cable 12 because the light propagates to the connector 10 fromthat core. As shown in FIG. 5A, the connector 10 is configured so that aportion 72 of the optomechanical element 32 protrudes into the lightpath 70 passing through the connector when the first component 28 andthe second component 30 of the connector are misaligned. When theconnector components 28, 30 are misaligned, the cable cores 20, 22 arenot aligned and light passing through the connector 10 will contact theprotruding portion 72 of the optomechanical element 32. When theoptomechanical element 32 is in its second state and the protrusion 72is exposed to light, the element changes a dimension and/or shape.Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the optomechanicalelement 32 is in its second state and the protrusion 72 is exposed tolight, the radial thickness 62 of the element 32 adjacent the protrusiondecreases by an amount Δ proportional to an amount the element isexposed to the light. Because the element 32 is preloaded against theedge 36 of the recess 34 and the projection 38 and the element is in itssecond, compliant state, a decrease in the radial thickness 62 at oneportion of the element 32, such as at the protruding portion 72, resultsin an increase in radial thickness at a portion 74 of the element thatis opposite the first portion. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, as theprotruding portion 72 decreases in size and the opposite portion 74increases in size, the opposite portion pushes the projection 38 towardsthe portion 72′ that was protruding. In this way, the optomechanicalelement 32 changes a dimension and/or shape when it is in its secondstate and exposed to light to move the second component 30 with respectto the first component 28 to align the connector 10 and, thereby, alignthe cables 12, 14. Cable 12, 14 alignment is maintained by theoptomechanical element 32 when the element changes back to its firststate and stiffens.

It will be appreciated that a variety of alternate embodiments may beconceived in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,and that the invention is not limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed above. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show end elevational andside cross-sectional views of first and second components 210, 220,respectively, of a connector 200 in accordance with another embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, the optomechanical element 230 isformed of a material that expands in response to exposure to light. Asshown in FIG. 6, the optomechanical element 230 is positioned on aprojection 212 that extends outwardly from the first component 210.Representative dimensions of exemplary embodiments of the first andsecond components 210, 220 and the optomechanical element 230 are shownon FIGS. 6 and 7 for illustrative purposes, and it will be appreciatedthat in various alternate embodiments, other dimensions may be used.

In this embodiment, a recess 222 is formed within an end portion of thesecond component 220, creating a retaining rim 228 that serves tocontain the optomechanical element 230 when the first and secondcomponents 210, 220 are coupled. As shown in FIG. 7, a tapered portion224 projects outwardly from the second component 220 within anapproximately central portion of the recess 222. The tapered portion 224includes an optically reflective surface 226.

FIG. 8 shows the connector 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7 in a coupled condition(A), as well as various stages (B), (C), (D) of a self-aligning process250. In the coupled condition (A), the first and second components 210,220 are engaged such that the optomechanical element 230 is disposedaround the projection 212 of the first component 210, and disposedwithin the recess 222 of the second component 220. Further, an outerperimeter of the optomechanical element 230 is engaged against theretaining rim 228, and the tapered portion 224 of the second component220 is adjacent to (or abuts with) the projection 212 of the firstcomponent 210.

In a first stage (B) of the self-aligning process 250, a first fiber (orcore) 215 of the first component 210 is misaligned with a second fiber(or core) 225 of the second component. As shown in FIG. 8, in the firststage (B), the first and second components 210, 220 are coupled and theoptomechanical element 230 may have an approximately constant radialextent F extending radially outwardly on both sides of the projection212. In the first stage (B), however, the first and second fibers 215,225 are at least somewhat misaligned.

In a second stage (C) of the self-aligning process 250, light istransmitted along the first fiber 215. Due to the misalignment of thefirst and second fibers 215, 225, a portion 252 of the light isreflected from the reflective surface 226 of the tapered portion 224 ofthe second component 220. The reflected light portion 252 emanates awayfrom the tapered portion 224 and impinges on the optomechanical element230, causing an exposed portion 232 of the optomechanical element 230 totransition to a second stage in which the exposed portion 232 expands.Because the optomechanical element 230 is confined within the retainingrim 228, the expansion of the exposed portion 232 exerts an aligningforce on the projection 212 that urges the projection 212 and theembedded first fiber 215 toward an improved alignment with the taperedportion 224 and the embedded second fiber 225.

In a third stage (D), the first and second fibers 215, 225 have reachedan aligned (or acceptably aligned) condition such that the lighttransmitted through the first fiber 215 enters the second fiber 225without any reflections from the reflective surface 226. With noreflected light impinging on the optomechanical element 230, theoptomechanical element 230 returns to its non-stimulated state andceases expansion, causing the first and second fibers 215, 225 to remainin the aligned condition. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 8, in the thirdstage (D), a nominal portion 254 of the light may be reflected from thereflective surface 226 even when the first and second fibers 215, 225are in the aligned (or acceptably aligned) condition. In this case,nominally exposed portions 234 of the optomechanical element 230 mayremain in a state of expansion, and the expansion forces created by thenominally exposed portions 234 may become approximately balanced. Thus,in the third stage (D), the forces exerted on the projection 212 by theoptomechanical element 230 may reach an equilibrium that maintains thefirst and second fibers 215, 225 in the acceptably aligned condition.

Throughout this disclosure, when introducing elements of embodiments ofthe present invention, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, as noted above, many changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention should not be limited by the disclosure of thespecific embodiments set forth above. Instead, the invention should bedetermined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A self-aligning connector for connecting fiber-optic cablescomprising: a first component connected to a first cable during use ofthe connector; a second component connected to the first component andto a second cable; and an optomechanical element positioned adjacent andbetween the first component and the second component, a portion of theoptomechanical element being exposed to a leakage light at least whenthe first component and the second component are misaligned, the exposedportion of the optomechanical element including a photosensitivematerial configured to at least attempt to change a dimension whenexposed to the leakage light, wherein the optomechanical element exertsan alignment force on at least one of the first and second componentstending to align the first and second components when the exposedportion of the optomechanical element is exposed to the leakage light.2. The self-aligning connector of claim 1 wherein the optomechanicalelement includes photosensitive nanotubes embedded in a polymer.
 3. Theself-aligning connector of claim 1 wherein the optomechanical elementexerts the alignment force when it is exposed to at least one of avisible light and an infra-red light.
 4. The self-aligning connector ofclaim 1 wherein the photosensitive material is further configured to atleast attempt to change the dimension when exposed to a transformingfluid.
 5. The self-aligning connector of claim 1 wherein the leakagelight enters the connector via at least one of the first and secondcables.
 6. The self-aligning connector of claim 1 wherein the firstcomponent is an integrally-formed end portion of the first cable and thesecond component is an integrally-formed end portion of the secondcable.
 7. The self-aligning connector of claim 1 wherein the leakagelight traverses at least one of a direct path and a reflected path fromat least one of the first and second cables to the exposed portion ofthe optomechanical element.
 8. The self-aligning connector of claim 1wherein: the first component includes a recess having a retaining rim;the second component includes a projection; and the optomechanicalelement is disposed within the recess and includes a cavity positionedaround the projection and a peripheral edge adjacent the retaining rim.9. The self-aligning connector of claim 8 wherein: the optomechanicalelement has a radial thickness extending between the cavity and theperipheral edge; and the exposed portion is configured to at leastattempt to contract when exposed to the leakage light, therebydecreasing the radial thickness adjacent the exposed portion andallowing the radial thickness opposite the exposed portion to increaseand push the projection to align the first and second cables.
 10. Theself-aligning connector of claim 8 wherein the first component furtherincludes a tapered portion having a reflective surface, the taperedportion extending outwardly into approximate engagement with theprojection of the second component, the leakage light being reflectedfrom the reflective surface onto the exposed portion of theoptomechanical element.
 11. The self-aligning connector of claim 10wherein: the optomechanical element has a radial thickness extendingbetween the cavity and the peripheral edge; and the exposed portion isconfigured to at least attempt to expand when exposed to the leakagelight, thereby increasing the radial thickness adjacent the exposedportion and compressing the radial thickness opposite the exposedportion to push the projection to align the first and second cables. 12.A fiber-optic system including: a first cable configured to transmitlight; a connector attached to the first cable and configured totransmit the light, the connector having an optomechanical elementincluding a photosensitive material configured to at least attempt tochange a dimension when exposed to light; and a second cable attached tothe connector opposite the first cable and configured to transmit thelight, wherein the optomechanical element is configured to exert analignment force on at least one of the first and second cables whenexposed to a leakage light emanating from at least one of the first andsecond cables, the alignment force tending to urge the first and secondcables into alignment; wherein the first cable and the second cable areconnected via a first component of the connector and a second componentof the connector and the optomechanical element is positioned betweenthe first component and the second component such that a first portionof the optomechanical element contacts the first component and a secondportion of the optomechanical element contacts the second component.13-20. (canceled)